"Well, the whole affair is easily settled--go and see Miss Cotoner, or Vassalla, and ask them if Mrs. Verschoyle came on board--they will certainly know."
"I don't believe Miss Cotoner knows anything about it," said Ronald, angrily; "if they quarrelled before leaving the house, you may be certain that Mrs. Verschoyle never came near her on the boat."
"But Miss Cotoner might have seen her sister."
"She might; but I won't ask her."
"Well, my dear boy," said Foster, rather annoyed at this sentimental obstinacy; "go and see Vassalla."
"Yes, I'll do that--he'll be able to tell me whether she was on board or not."
"No doubt--if it suit him to acknowledge it," retorted Foster, dryly.
"What do you mean?" asked the Australian, impatiently; "you think----"
"I mean nothing--I think nothing," replied the other, quickly; "go and see the Marchese Vassalla, and then tell me what you discover."
"And then----"